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Resurrection church welcomes new organist

The church secured its organ from All Saints Anglican Church in Palatka, where a new organ was recently installed. By ROBIN ANDERSON, Special to The Record

Ray Bradley

The parishioners at Resurrection Protestant Episcopal Church in Palencia sat in their pews before the service began and soaked in the music they had longed to hear. The hymns being played brought back memories of childhood churches for many; for others it brought the perfect accompaniment to the peace of prayer and meditation.

The music in all its fullness came from what seemed like their dream come true -- a church organ.

In most traditional Episcopal churches, music has a place of primacy in the liturgy. Resurrection Protestant Episcopal Church is no exception as they are pleased to call, as its new music director, Ray Bradley.

"Ray brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our growing congregation," said Father Frank Castillo, church rector. "Having the addition of both our new organ and an outstanding organist really brings our service full circle."

"It's a dynamic that we have been praying about and God really put it all together for us," said Tina Klinkenberg, Resurrection's senior warden.

"When I accepted the call," Bradley explains, "the church did not have an organ, but they were actively seeking one so I began a search six weeks prior to my start date. I needed to find and secure an instrument suitable for the church.

"We found one two days later through a friend of a friend at All Saints Anglican in Palatka. They had just purchased a new organ for their sanctuary and had just taken out the old one and were hoping to find it a good home. I called the rector, Father John, to inquire about the price and he said, 'It's yours with our compliments.' They received it as a donation from a church in Georgia, had used it for many years, and wanted to pass it on to the next church in need. It truly was a miracle."

Bradley's first service as music director for Resurrection was Trinity Sunday. "We are so glad that Ray is with us," said Glenn Rice, a member of the congregation. "Having this wonderful organ and Mr. Bradley and his ministry of music truly brings us home."